"Satanic Rites of Dracula" (1973)

Above, Christopher Lee and Joanna Lumley in Satanic Rites of Dracula. 

Satanic Rites of Dracula Amazon synopsis:

A dying man’s report of a ritual black mass stirs Britain’s security chief into action, and a mansion filled with young vampire girls is soon discovered. And this is but the first twist in a labyrinth of horror. Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee pair up for the final Hammer Dracula in this follow-up to Dracula A.D. 1972. In this go-round, the Count (Christopher Lee, naturally) follows a more pulpish, super-villainous playbook, posing as a millionaire industrialist alive and well and living in London while secretly brewing up a batch of super-plague in a quest to destroy the world. Mixing Satanists, spies and sci-fi, the film makes viewers glad that Peter Cushing is on hand to solidly anchor the more outré elements as the effortlessly expositioning Dr. Van Helsing. Lee, in turn, has more dialogue as Dracula than was the norm, and rachets up the evil to the nth degree. Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous) costars. Also known as Count Dracula and His Vampire Bride.

I unearthed (pardon the pun) a bunch of DVDs the other day that I hadn't unpacked (or viewed before) when I moved to New Mexico three years ago (two I watched so far were Unthinkable (2010) with Samuel L. Jackson, which is a very good film and The Town (2010) with actor/director Ben Affleck, which is also pretty good, too). I watched another one last night that was given to me by Jerry Moore, better known as Karlos Borloff of Monster Madhouse television show. It was their broadcast of Satanic Rites of Dracula (the name they gave it is too long to state here) from Hammer Studios.

Monster Madhouse hijinks during the movie aside (images of Borloff and crew would be superimposed in the movie in spots), it made me realize again why I was never a fan of Hammer's horror films of the U.K. Keep in mind that I love the old Universal Pictures horror movies of the 1930s through the 1950s. 

Hammer's horror movies were overly talky and the pacing of their films seemed disjointed to me, especially the action scenes.

Christopher Lee was okay as Dracula (he doesn't appear in the movie for about a half hour into it) and Peter Cushing as Van Helsing was the best part of the movie. He had an air of authority in it and was basically the glue that kept the movie from totally flying apart. From the reviews I've read on this film, it was a better film than its immediate predecessor, Dracula A.D. 1972, which isn't saying much. Speaking of which, Christopher Lee hardly ever spoke when he played Dracula, which is probably a good thing considering everyone else blabbed too much. At least he redeemed himself the following year in the James Bond flick, The Man With The Golden Gun.

Dracula's plan (in modern day) was to unleash a horrible plague to exterminate all of mankind. It struck me that this was a stupid plan as Dracula would kill off his blood supply. Van Helsing tried to point this out to the old Count, but the dialog was too muddled for Dracula to get the point.

Anyway, at least it was something to watch for a couple of hours. One thing I liked were the Universal trailers shown (I presume they were placed where commercials were during the original broadcast) of Frankenstein and Dracula trailers (such as the Bela Lugosi Dracula, House of Frankenstein and House of Dracula.

The Monster Madhouse promo of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan:

Ten Years of "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan"

It is hard to believe that it was ten years ago this month that The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan was published by ComiXpress.

ComiXpress is no longer in business and I was planning to publish an updated edition, but my move to New Mexico and my heart attack two summers ago put a delay into those plans. I will eventually do so, as it is my intention.

I am pleased how it sold and the press it received. The Japanese press gave it some great coverage.

Above, from the Daily Yomiuri in Japan.

Above, from Metropolis magazine (Tokyo).

A few months after publication, this promo video was created:




Then, a few months later, Monster Madhouse/Karlos Borloff, posted this video (featuring the late Vixxa Violet):




Copies are still available. Go to the links on this page.

Don Glut's Monster Museum

Above, Jerry "Karlos Borloff" Moore and Don Glut. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Several years ago, horror host Karlos Borloff (Jerry Moore) of Monster Madhouse paid a visit to the "House of Glut" in Burbank, California. I met them later for dinner at a local Italian restaurant (if this is the same visit, I think it is). Above, is a photo of Borloff and Glut during that visit.

Earlier, Borloff shot a tour of Glut's home museum on video. It is posted on YouTube, but I have embedded it here so you won't have to search for it.



Here's a more recent photo of Glut with yours truly (taken by Yuu Asakura with my crappy cell phone camera) during my stop at Glut's to present to him a plush toy of Dino, the mascot of Sinclair Oil. I had a quest to find some for Don and myself after I saw some at a gas station in Yellowstone National Park last June. I wanted to buy them then, but I was on a tour and time was pressing and the gas station was crowded.

Above, Don Glut and Armand in the kitchen with the Sinclair plush. Photo by Yuu Asakura.

Monster Madhouse T-Shirt, Cleaning & Etc.

Above, in my new Monster Madhouse t-shirt. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Spring Cleaning came early.

Today's been cleaning day (at least where my bedroom is concerned). I'll do the living room another day.

While cleaning, I wore my new Monster Madhouse t-shirt that arrived the other day from Jerry "Karlos Borloff" Moore.

Speaking of Jerry Moore, strange thing happened, during cleaning I found an envelope of photos of the visit to the House of (Don) Glut in Burbank by Jerry and I. It is hard to believe it was four years ago (January 20, 2013, to be exact) that we were there. We were joined by Jerry's then-girlfriend, Marta. As Glut said, "The Moore, the scarier!"

Here's some shots of that visit:

Laura Moles (Vixxa Violet), R.I.P.

Above, Karlos Borloff and Vixxa Violet in the promo video for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

This is one of those times when it is hoped that a report on someone's passing wasn't true. 

Unfortunately, it was. Her obituary has been posted by Legacy.com through the Times Herald in Pennsylvania.

Laura Moles, best-known around show biz and modeling circles as Vixxa Violet, passed away on April 2. She was 27.

Above, Laura was already a follower (circled) of this blog before she took part in the promo
video for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan that was produced by Monster Madhouse.

Laura was a follower of this blog and it came as a pleasant surprise when I learned at a dinner with Jerry Moore ("Karlos Borloff" of Monster Madhouse) that she was the gal in the promo video for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan by Monster Madhouse. After this discovery, I sent her a note thanking her for "spicing up" the promo video and I posted a spotlight blog for her.

She replied with:

THANK YOU, Armand, for showcasing me!!!
I really appreciate it.
For more Vixxa Violet, please visit my free-access website: http://www.vixxaviolet.com.

XO
Vixxa
January 23, 2012 

We had a few more communications following this. It is too bad that we did not have the chance to meet in person. She seemed to be a real sweetheart. From what I've heard about her, she was a joy to be with.

R.I.P.

UPDATE (4/23/14): I have since learned the circumstances of Laura's/Vixxa's passing. All I'll say is that it was accidental in nature and very tragic. 

Vixxa Violet Reported Dead

I just learned from Jerry "Karlos Borloff" Moore of Monster Madhouse that model Vixxa Violet (real name Laura Moles) has passed away. She was 27.

Above, Vixxa Violet.

Moore has no details on Vixxa's passing at this time.

She was a follower of this blog before she participated in the Monster Madhouse plug of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. The video featuring Vixxa is above. We corresponded many times.

I just hope that the report Moore received was in error.

Monster Madhouse Launches Blog

Above, Karlos Borloff gets a chest exam by Haruo Nakajima as
Robert Scott Field looks on.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Jerry "Karlos Borloff" Moore announced that the Monster Madhouse television show now has an official blog.

It has been set up under Wordpress.com (I think they should have used Blogger, such as Armand's Rancho Del Cielo does, as Blogger offers more features (in my opinion) and has more attractive layouts) under the name, monstermadhousetv.

According to the blog:

This is the OFFICIAL blog site for the MONSTER MADHOUSE TV SHOW. A television program based on Classic Monster films, Slapstick comedy, over the top MONSTER music videos, cartoons and improvised comedy & artistic wackiness. Monster Madhouse TV show has been on Cable TV in the Washington DC area for over 7 years, hundreds of episodes, and thousands of broadcasts in just about every time slot imaginable. We’ve been broadcast into Millions of homes across the country, including Los Angeles Ca., suburban Chicago, Boston, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Florida and many other areas. The show has won 3 TELLY AWARDS for “Televison Entertainment” and “Production”, over the past several years, and has been featured on many variety & News programs, such as “The Tonight Show, w/ Jay Leno”, FOX News, NBC-TV, ABC-TV, CBS-TV, and others…Monster Madhouse is the wildest, LOUDEST, most Monster filled TV horror host show ever!! Hosted by the Rockin’ loudmouth Monster Cowboy “KARLOS BORLOFF” (Jerry Moore), and his wide assortment of Co-hosts, Monsters, maniacs,Super heroes, aliens, Vampires, gorillas, robots, monster Hunters and musicians… you never know whats gonna happen nest…even WE don’t!! 

Above, Jerry Moore, sans make-up, and Armand .

A link to the monstermadhousetv blog has been added to my blog list.

To access the official Monster Madhouse blog, go here.

Monster Madhouse Returns

Above, this photo of Karlos Borloff meeting Haruo Nakajima (taken in 2008) is
one of Borloff's prized possessions.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Monster Madhouse has been on a break since last September.  On April 19, it has returned.

Terror From Beyond The Daves has posted an article on the show's return.  According to the article, the break was made necessary as the cast and crew were exhausted.

Above, Karlos Borloff gets a chest hair inspection by Haruo Nakajima as
Robert Scott Field looks on.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that they're tanned, rested and ready, Monster Madhouse has returned with show host Karlos Borloff (Jerry Moore) and his cadre of misfits including Frank N. Stein, Lizard Man, Stabsalot, Ultra Mam, Dr. Finger, Freaky Daddy and more.

The opening show presented the 1950s sci-fi flick, Giant Gila Monster.

Borloff had kept himself busy in the interim by selling Godzilla caps, toys and t-shirts (by the way, I am still waiting for mine) and coming up with new material for use in future shows.

Above, yours truly with Karlos Borloff who is shown
here disguised as mild-mannered Jerry Moore.

Now that they've been rested, they are back in the game again and having fun doing it.

To read the full article, go here.

Karlos Borloff's Monster Hats Now Available

Remember this hat I'm wearing?

This was a prototype, but you can now get one of these!

Karlos Borloff  of MONSTER MADHOUSE is now taking orders for the MONSTER HATS! 

 $25 will get you one that is hand made..each one unique, numbered & signed by the creator!

PAYPAL $25 (plus $3 shipping) to:  BORLOFF@MONSTERMADHOUSE.COM

As these are all custom hand-made hats (not made in a factory), and depending upon the number of orders, the sooner you order the faster you will get one.  

Monster Madhouse End Credit (2009)

While perusing some videos over at YouTube tonight, I stumbled upon one that I completely forgot about.

It is from three years ago. It is of the Washington, D.C. area television show, Monster Madhouse's beginning and end titles. The show stars Karlos Borloff (Jerry Moore).

I had posted the video in December 2009 here.

I received a credit for still photography during the end credits. I made a screen capture of it and is posted at top.

Above, Jerry Moore, sans Karlos Borloff make-up, and I at Don Glut's earlier this year.

Monster Japan Travel Guide Videos Picked Up By Global Oneness

Global Oneness, which is a part of ExperienceFestival.com, picked up the YouTube slideshow video on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan and the promo video on the travel guide by Karlos Borloff and the gang at Monster Madhouse (below).











 Left, Yuu Asakura with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Karlos Borloff (Jerry Moore) and Vixxa Violet from the Monster Madhouse promo video.

Global Oneness covers a wide range of subjects from philosophy/religion to acupuncture and travel.

To view the site, go here.

Godzilla Tribute Clip

Karlos Borloff of Monster Madhouse has posted a YouTube video, "Godzilla Tribute Clip."



Borloff previously posted a YouTube video promoting The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Above, Borloff meets Haruo "Godzilla" Nakajima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The G-hat Now Has A Home

The custom-made Godzilla baseball cap by Jerry "Karlos Borloff" Moore of Monster Madhouse has a "home" now.

It was suggested by my roommate to hang it up so that it wouldn't get ruined. So, it is now displayed on my wall (above photo).

Above, here I am with the hat at Don Glut's.

Dinner With Karlos Borloff: Outtakes

Above, Jerry Moore as "Karlos Borloff" (with Vixxa Violet) on Monster Madhouse.

Here's some "outtakes" photos of the night I went out to dinner with Jerry "Karlos Borloff" Moore (of Monster Madhouse) and Don Glut in Burbank.

Above, dinner at a Burbank Italian eatery. The flash didn't go off.

Above, it looks like they're saying, "Ooooh, really?!"

Above, Jerry and Don having a "serious" discussion in Don's kitchen.

Above, since Jerry couldn't take Don's home back to Virginia with him, he captured it on video instead.

Above, the serious discussion that really wasn't between Don, Jerry's fiancee Marta and Jerry.

Vixxa Violet

The other night, when I met Jerry "Karlos Borloff" Moore and Don Glut for dinner, I asked Jerry who the girl was on the Monster Madhouse promo video (above) he made for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. He said she's model Vixxa Violet.

Above, Vixxa Violet without the ghoulish make-up.

This came as a bit of a surprise as I knew of Vixxa, as she is a follower of this blog as well as a friend on a social networking website or two.

Vixxa is an actress/model/dancer from Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Her Linkedin profile says:

Independent entertainer; modeling, acting, dancing, self-stylist, prop-building & make-up; concept design; self-help guru.

I sent her a note on the above and thanked her for "spicing up" The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan promo video.

Vixxa's website is http://www.vixxaviolet.com.

Small world!

Dinner With Karlos Borloff, Part 2

Following our delicious Italian dinner, we migrated to The House of Glut for more conversation and to see Don Glut's collection of dinosaur goods & fossils and movie memorabilia.

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll let the photos herein do the talking.

Starting off in the kitchen where tea was served, Don poses with a poster (left) of Christine Nguyen in Don's movie, The Mummy's Kiss: Second Dynasty.









Below, Jerry Moore and his fiancee, Marta in the kitchen of "The House of Glut."



Above, here I am sporting my new Godzilla baseball cap, custom-made by Jerry. He also gave one to Don. Jerry brought along some "Monster Madhouse" DVDs, which he gave to Don and I. Don gave us DVDs of his movie, "Scarlet Countess." I brought some copies of "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" for Jerry and Don.

Above, Jerry filming Don in the den for future use on "Monster Madhouse."








Left, Don with some concept art for an aborted Ultraman project.









Below, Jerry shows Don some of his Karlos Borloff pictures.



Left, Jerry and Don.
















Below, Jerry and Armand.

Dinner With Karlos Borloff, Part One

Jerry Moore, a.k.a. Karlos Borloff of Monster Madhouse, is in L.A. for business and pleasure. We agreed earlier this week to meet up to discuss some Japan business.

Last night, we met up at an Italian restaurant in Burbank with dinosaur expert and writer/director/producer Donald F. Glut for dinner and conversation.

Upon arrival at the restaurant, I found Jerry and his fiancee Marta on the sidewalk in front. After greetings, we went inside and found Don waiting for us.

After more greetings, we were seated and began to order appetizers and entrees.

Here's some photos from the restaurant:

Above, Jerry and Marta.

Above, Don Glut.

Above, the obligatory group shot. From left, Don, Armand, Jerry and Marta.

Following dinner, we then migrated to The House of Glut. Photos of that will be in Part 2.

Karlos Borloff On The Loose In L.A.

Above, Karlos Borloff (Jerry Moore) gets a chest exam from Haruo "Mr. Godzilla" Nakajima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Karlos Borloff, in the guise of mild-mannered Jerry Moore, the host of horror and rock 'n roll show Monster Madhouse, is in Los Angeles this week.

I just got off the phone with Jerry and he has some big plans for Monster Madhouse, as well as some other projects that he is in L.A. for.

We will be meeting up later this week to talk "some serious bizz-ness" about Japan and monster movies.

Jerry and the Monster Madhouse gang made a promo video on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, for which I am eternally grateful!

Here it is:

Monster Madhouse Video Promo For "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan"

Karlos Borloff and the gang of Monster Madhouse in a promo video for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan:

"The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" Back In Craigslist

Above, Miki with "The Monster Movie Fan's
 Guide To Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan is now listed again in the Los Angeles area of Craigslist.

It's been a while since I last posted it there, so today I got the ad back in.

It contains links to two YouTube videos, one by the television show Monster Madhouse and one I did.

To see it, go here.